Olympian Vinesh Phogat strengthened her bid for a place in India’s Asian Games 2026 wrestling team by winning her second consecutive bout at the selection trials held at the Indira Gandhi Stadium in New Delhi on Saturday. Phogat defeated Nishu after earlier registering a convincing 7-1 win over Jyoti of Haryana in her opening match.
The veteran wrestler is competing in the women’s 53kg category, with the winner of the trials set to represent India at the Asian Games later this year. Ahead of the competition, the Wrestling Federation of India confirmed her eligibility after she successfully completed the weigh-in process, recording 53.9 kg and securing a place in the draw.
Phogat is set to face strong competition from wrestlers including Meenakshi Goyat and Antim Panghal. Her participation comes amid an ongoing legal battle, with the Delhi High Court having directed that she be allowed to compete in the trials while ensuring transparency through video recording and independent observers appointed by the Indian Olympic Association and Sports Authority of India.
The Supreme Court on Friday also granted interim relief to Phogat and sought her response to a petition filed by the WFI challenging her participation. The matter is scheduled to be heard again on June 1. Despite the off-mat developments, Phogat’s strong performances have kept her firmly on course for a place in India’s wrestling contingent for the continental event.
